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Holiday World A Success For The Lisburn Castlereagh Area

February 4, 2019

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council had its own stand at the 2019 Holiday World Show in Dublin within the Northern Ireland Tourism Village area. Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) and two accommodation providers joined the Council on its exhibition stand.

The Council was showcasing what the tourism opportunities the Lisburn Castlereagh area has to offer in terms of its many attractions, sights, eateries, shopping and accommodation.

It held a competition which was open to everyone who visited its stand to win a package including an overnight stay in the area along with dinner and a tour of Hillsborough Castle, as well as a selection of family prizes: Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Streamvale Farm and Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.

Around 40,000 people made their way to the Show for bespoke expert travel advice, show-only deals and tips for the bargains of 2019.

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking about the Show said: “We had 2,000 people visit our stand over the course of the three day show who were keen to hear about the tourism offering of the Lisburn Castlereagh area. The Council was keen to attend this show as it was the ideal opportunity to meet over 900 travel professionals from across Ireland and discuss why they should include Lisburn Castlereagh in their programmes.

“There was an increased interest from last year in visiting Northern Ireland and people expressing an interest in visiting the Lisburn and Castlereagh with its numerous activities, accredited accommodation, natural and historic attractions suits; and we look forward to welcoming them to our area. Both the Council and HRP are progressing plans to enhance the tourism offering in the village of Hillsborough and as a result have formed a strong partnership.”

The Council area offers many key attractions including the Castle Gardens, Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, the ISLAND Arts Centre, the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lagan Valley Regional Park, Moat Park and the charming villages of Hillsborough and Moira. There are a wide variety of activities available for everyone including cycling, horse riding, quad biking, fishing, motocross, walking and golf.

Alderman Ewart MBE added: “Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council continues to invest in the promotion of tourism which contributes significantly to the local economy annually. The City hosts a number of high-profile regional and national events including Balmoral Show, the Lisburn Half Marathon, Moira Specialty Food Fair and the famous Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle races. Events such as these showcase the area and generate visitor spend with accommodation providers, eateries and the wider economy.”

Alan Greer from Hillsborough Castle said: “It was a great opportunity as Business Development Executive, Historic Royal Palaces - Hillsborough Castle to partner with the Council at Holiday World, Dublin. It was the first time we attended the event and working alongside the Council to promote the growing tourism offer within the Lisburn Castlereagh area was ideal.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel that it gave Hillsborough Castle great exposure to the Republic of Ireland marketplace. Dublin received us with great enthusiasm and I am sure we will reap the benefits in 2019 as we launch our brand new Welcome Centre, restaurant and gift shop. I look forward to working closely with the Council on future promotional events and opportunities to develop our tourism and hospitality offer.”